Following the Golden Rule
Many people assume that the only way to succeed in business is by following the “not so golden” rule: “Do unto others before they do unto you.” Considering this, is it realistic to think a company can be successful by doing exactly the opposite? John D. Beckett, chairman and CEO of the RW Beckett Corporation, thinks so.
Why? Because applying the “Golden Rule” and other biblical principles is exactly how he built his Elyria, Ohio-based company into one of the leading manufacturers of heating components in the world.
The personal dimension to Christ
After losing his father, almost losing his daughter in a car accident, and then having his manufacturing plant nearly burn down – all within the same year – John knew it was time to get more serious about his faith. “There was a point where I just had to let go and cast myself into the care of Almighty God,” he says. He credits his wife Wendy with showing him a new, personal dimension to Christianity that eventually changed his life. “When I engaged Jesus personally, I was able to look into his eyes by faith. I was able to hear his voice, by faith. I was encountering a real person; somebody who loved me and cared for me.”
As John’s relationship with Jesus began to change his personal life, he realized the need to forge a stronger connection between his faith and business. After successfully using some simple, biblical rules of conflict resolution to resolve a disagreement between two of his managers, John started to see other ways he could apply his faith to the business. This included everything from money and resource management, to business ethics and employee and customer relations.Business sales skyrocket!
But perhaps the most profound way John’s faith has impacted his business is in his role as leader. Early on, he adopted a management style he calls “servant leadership,” which means putting the needs of his employees and customers before himself. To John, it just makes good business sense. “What customer doesn’t want to be well served? What employee doesn’t want to be in an environment where they’re respected and valued?” He says. The result has been an exponential growth in sales and an excellent employee retention record. Since inheriting the business from his father in the late 1930s, Beckett has grown the company from 12 employees and $1 million in sales, to three companies, 600 employees and approximately $100 million in sales.Despite his success, John is quick to point out that business is about more than just this month’s bottom line. It’s about treating everyone with integrity, whether customers or employees, and making sure Jesus is always number one. Focus on these things, John says, and the bottom line will take care of itself.
If, like John, you are tired of running things on your own and would like Jesus to assume a greater role in your life, we encourage you to pray the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Amen.
10 Responses to “Following the Golden Rule”
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dear john am in a big crisis.the man i loved so much married.what can i do?he married his new workmate.i still love him strongly please help me.
This is the kind of mindset that Christian businesspeople must have; that it is only the kingdom of God and his righteousness that counts. The rest will follow automatically once we commit our lives to the pursuit of God’s kingdom and his righteousness. To John Beckett, be blessed forever by the Almighty God himself. l am actually looking for his books Loving Monday and Mastering Monday to distribute and sell throughout English speaking Africa. God be with you always.
Dear John
Its not because you are progressive that i have to request for help.I really need your help financially.I do not have a place to sleep, me my wife and children and am not into any gainful employment.Though i have registered a limited liability company it has never thrived with all the effort i put in and all the prayers i have rendered to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.I realized that being truthfull means to stuggle with satan. Please help me
Regards
[comment redacted by Editor]
Hi Benjamin,
We are sorry but we do not allow for personal information to be transferred in the comments section of our site. If you would like to speak to a Power to Change mentor, please click here. A mentor is available to pray and talk with you in private if you so wish. You will also be in my prayers.
my religion is Islam but I had been distracted and failed many many times in my life. I wanted a open personal relationship with GOD without being a religious person, but it seemed to be impossible. (I live in a very religious area..) I always loved JESUS CHRIST but had very little knowledge of him and my only great desire was to have knowledge about HIM. CHRIST was always absorbing me. now that I’ve started studying the lessons which my dear teacher John taught me on this website my life has been changed in great measures. my spiritual growth is very slow but certain.I’m trying to rebuild myself and help others to do so. thank you Dear John for you are doing a great job and you did so much for me . sorry for my English is not very good . you are always in my prayers.
Nasim I am very happy that you are following Christ as he will always guide you! I would suggest requesting an online mentor to help you with your Christian walk. God Bless,
Thank You Andrew, for blessing me and concerns. God Bless You too.
Nasim I too wanted to add my voice to Andrew’s in saying that we are very happy that you are following Christ. We do have wonderful online mentors that would love to walk alongside of you on your journey. Just fill out the form on this page and someone will email you. http://powertochange.com/discover/talk-to-a-mentor/
Also, we have a great set of online studies that would be a great place for you learn more about your new faith. Check out http://powertochange.com/discover/know-jesus-personally_ll/
Thank You Doris, You are right. I got connected to an online mentor who is very wonderful and sweet. Thank You this site was so helpful to me. Be blessed.
thanks so much to to mr John, Andrew and… The wonderful work you’re doing, I wish to know from you if it is possible that instead of going out there in person to carry out the great commission and win souls to Christ or can I use money to do all that for me?